Never Broken ( Malachi )

[Gailleann]

The day was bright, stunningly so after the savage storm that had skirted the coastline the evening before. Overhead lingering clouds billowed in thick balls of white moving lazily across a sky so blue that it could dazzle ones senses if they paused long enough to look. The waves broke gently upon the soft sand, raising up only to retreat just as swiftly in a never ending dance of land and sea. The wind danced playfully across the beach, wild and unhindered. In the distance one might see a figure stretched out and unmoving, the fire of that coat shifted in the breeze, the only movement this creature made. A keen eye might catch the shallow breath, the slightest lifting of her side before collapsing, as if it was almost too much effort to bear.

Hours would pass, the sun which had been raising just over the horizon now sat high overhead, the waters’ edge had slowly crept closer and closer to the unmoving figure, until finally the waves lapped up against her, splashing gently at her face. A taste of salty water caused irritable grumble to escape, the smooth sweet voice thicken with a pout. “Díoltas…go away already, I’m trying to sleep…” Again the water splashed against her face causing her to jerk upwards shaking that skull viciously with an irritated growl “Díoltas I said sto…..!” Those words trailed off as the soft gray eyes finally opened to the sight before her. This was not home, and Díoltas was gone. With a cry of anguish the memories came flooding back. Her desperate struggle to remain at her sisters’ side even as the abandoned ship they had curled up in for shelter from the storm had been carried to the ocean by a flash flood. The terrified feeling that had swept through her as that unsound hull began to crumble, loosing its battle against the crippling waves that pounded it relentlessly until it to finally fell to defeat. The helplessness she had felt as she watched her sister get dragged further and further away by the waves no matter how hard she fought to keep up. But even when her lungs burned with a ruthless flame, when muscles cried out at every motion telling her she had far exceeded her limits, still she forced herself to continue. She had to reach her sister, she had to find her, to protect her, it was her duty, it was what she had born for. But the darkness that swamped her vision, threatening to drag her down finally won out as she too succumbed to the wild storms. Her last thought? The poetic irony, a wild storm had brought them into this world, and a wild storm had taken them out of it.

From her maw a soft keening sound of ultimate grief rose, she had failed her sister, failed to protect what was most important to her. In the end it hadn’t been their mother’s madness that had taken her, but their own desire to find out where they had come from that had. Minutes would pass before a thought would come to her, too caught up in her anguish to pay attention to the little nagging voice in the back of her mind until it finally broke through. If she had made it to solid ground then surely her sister must have also. As that heart took a beat, then a second, and a third she was flooded with hope. Hope that brought that head up and shone brightly in those crystalline gray eyes, as purpose once more filled the soul of the fire wolf.

Word Count: 611
Muse: Plentiful
Tag: Malachi/Open
Notes: Roller coaster lol

[Malachi]

Winter was coming, there was no doubt about that. The burning heat of summer had dulled and colors had shifted from vibrant green to more soft tones. But there was beauty in the day, however it was not as keenly appreciated by the stormy pelted male that wandered beneath the watchful sun. 

He hasn't been in this part of the island for a long time, rather like a new adventure for him. Adventure...what a promising word. Shrugging mentally, the muscled brute trudged on as his large paws ate up the earth with every stride. Try to enjoy it...He told himself silently, remembering the promise he made to himself as well as the efforts he made with Saphira to 'lighten up' his demeanor. 

Some days were easier than others, of course having his one and only true friend around made for the best times. She was a breath of life in his moody and dire outlook on life. Yet, here he was battling silently to be a better wolf but today he was losing.

Biting back a growl, he found himself standing on the waters edge looking out at the blue void of the ocean. "Think of other things, can't focus on the bad forever." Speaking to no one but he had the feeling the world was listening.

Turning from the horizon, Malachi walked along the seemingly playful waters close enough to let his paws touch the cool liquid when it advanced onto the shore. 

Raising his stormy gaze ahead, the young male caught sight of something sprawled out in the sand. Pausing for a moment as he tilted his head to try to figure out what exactly it was before deciding to advance upon it.

Soon enough the form took a discernible shape. Lowering his head on cautious curiosity, Malachi approached slowly. "Miss?" A thundering baritone rumbled out to reach the disheveled wolf tentatively. Did they need help? What happened? Were they...dying? 

Then her head rose and he froze mid-step. Now what?

Gailleann

[Gailleann]

A muted joy filled her heart, she wanted to run to shout and roll in the grass. She would find her sister, it was only a matter of time. Until then she would never stop searching. But first things first…

A deep voice rumbled, interrupting her thoughts causing her to jerk around in startlement every muscle tensed for an attack. Until that pure gray gaze came to rest on the larger male. Weariness showed in the tilt of those ears the angle of that tail, still the sweet gentle tones of that voice held no fear as she spoke. “Yes sir?” A passing thought would be given to her disheveled state, matted fur caked with sand. How she wished she could give herself a vigorous shake, yet such an action would be rude with company. As much as she prided herself on her capabilities, her limbs trembled with fatigue, her stomach cramped with hungry. On a normal day she held no doubts that she could out run him without breaking a sweat, even out maneuver him if need be in order to escape death. But right now she knew it would not take much for this young male to take her down.

Subtly she drew in a deep breath through that blacken nose, while it may be masked because of the thick scent of the ocean she did not smell anything that suggested these lands were claimed by a pack. Still that voice would lift once more. “If I may be so bold as to ask sir, am I trespassing upon your lands?” Cranium tilted upon its fiery pedestal as she shifted her weight until she faced him, the slow hesitant wag to that tail belied the tense female. Still there was no malice in her steady gaze, only an open friendly curiosity. Even as she waited there came a snarl that was easily heard by the frozen male. It was not a snarl from her lips, no instead it was an angry complaint of her stomach. Ears flatten with chagrin, dipping her muzzle slightly she spoke again. “Please sir, I beg your forgiveness, I….” Her voice trailed faltering slightly in her embarrassment.

Word Count: 363
Muse: Annoyed (Due to earlier post accidental deletion)
Tag: Malachi/Open
Notes:

[Malachi]

Well she didn't seem to be dying...so that was something. But he had once again found himself in a situation he wasn't prepared for and uncomfortable with. Yet he felt a tug of curiosity about her, why was she here? The flame painted pelt of hers was unlike he'd ever seen, not that it was difficult to do that. He had a very small group of wolves in his repertoire of association, from passing glances to the one friend he had. 

She was beautiful though, the fire colors with her coat bringing out the light blue of her eyes. But beauty served one in only certain circumstances. The first example he thought of was his mother telling him he was handsome...it didn't save him the pain of losing everyone he loved. In fact he couldn't think of one time his looks had a positive effect, it was useless.

The silent conversation within his head was interrupted by the very female he was staring at. "Have no fear, these lands belong to no one." He stated, his voice detached and wary as the dark male continued to size her up in an attempt to figure out what she was doing here. His mouth opened to pose a question on the matter but a sound emitting from within her caused him to wait. How long has it been since she ate anything for such a sound? His eyes shifted from her torso up to her eyes with the ever faintest hint of concern.

"Wait." Not quite an order but he spoke in a tone that hopefully she wouldn't argue with. He didn't wait long to see if she would. Sprinting off in a streak of silver, Malachi dove into action to try and being her something to eat. Why? He didn't even know. All he really had was his fathers voice echoing in his mind to help those who needed it. Sure he probably should have asked or departed with some pretty words of chivalry but that was just a waste of time. 

It wasn't long until he was surrounded by shrubs, small trees and the like. Thankful they were in a area that had promised much game...at least it did that last time he was down here but things could have changed with the shift of wolves passing through.

Thinking of what he should bring her, the fighter listed the possibilities silently. She was obviously hungry but if she hadn't eaten in so long, bringing her large prey would cause more harm than good. But a rabbit would not be quite adequate. 

A snapping of a twig made him freeze, his ears on a constant swivel. Stormy blue eyes raked around him until...there! Well, it wasn't what he wanted but it would serve it's purpose. A large rabbit sat before him, unaware of Malachi s presence since the breeze had gone or else it would have surely been alerted of the danger.

Deciding quickly that it was better than nothing, Malachi leapt after it, following zig for zag as the white tailed Lagomorpha made it's desperate efforts to flee and evade. It's speed against his, Malachi leapt forward and crashed down upon it, snapping it's neck and ending the game that had carried them who really knew how far.

Picking up the warm body in his maw, he turned and ran back towards the beach wondering if she even waited like he had said or walked off. If so, he just Got himself a snack then.  

A little while had had past and he found himself back on the sandy shores and didn't stop running until he met the seawater where he had found her. Dropping the furry offering on the ground silently before stepping back to show he didn't mean to eat any of it himself. 

Sitting down at a comfortable distance, he waited. Waited to see what she would do.

Gailleann

OOC: he can be nice ^^

[Gailleann]

Assured that this land was not claimed, and that she was not in danger of offending someone with her presence, as innocent as it was, caused the female to relaxed quite a bit. Tension sliding from her limbs only to find them once more stiffening up at the embarrassing announcement of her stomachs growl. Even as he stared at her with that unrelenting, penetrating gaze that made her feel as if he could see right through her, she had uttered her apology.

“Wait.”

That was all he said before he suddenly bolted, a streak of darken silver until he was gone from her sight. “Well that was a bit rude.” She commented to herself. Still..” She thought to herself. I like him. There was no malice, I could sense from him. Perhaps he is just a wolf of few words? She had met a few like that in her travels with her sister. Some had been more difficult to understand then others, she wondered where he would fall in that category.

It did not cross her mind to disobey his order, which is how she took it. Not because she was submissive really, because she wasn’t, after all she had been the primary source of protection, food, and leadership among her small family. No it wasn’t submission that kept her where she was, it was pure curiosity, that and she likely wouldn’t get very far. So in the meantime while she ‘waited’ she decided to make herself presentable. A vigorously wild shake removed the majority of the sand, a patch of nearby tall grass was perfect to roll in twisting and thrashing around on her back until finally her coat shone in the sunlight, looking like flames lite from within. Stepping from the grass she once more gave a shake until she was satisfied that she no longer looked like some left over half drowned pup that the ocean threw up.

The she would sit back on her haunches, the soft grey of those eyes shifting one direction then the other as she scanned the landscape for his figure. Minutes ticked by, dragging on almost endlessly until finally she caught sight of that darkly silver brute making his way back in her direction. She knew it could have been anyone, but instinct told her it was the same wolf from earlier, and as he drew closer her assumption was confirmed. His scent tickled her nose accompanied by another that made that ever complaining stomach clench and grumble.

She would watch him with a silent regal disposition, head canted to the right, ears perked forward. Even when he dropped the rabbit nearby before retreated she remained statue, still that gaze drifted from the rabbit to him clearly surprised. “You hunted, for me?” It seemed like an alien concept to her, though a slow and gentle smile spread out across her lips. “Thank you, kind sir, I appreciate your kindness, will you join me in this meal?” She inquired as she stepped forward laying one paw upon the carcass, lowering that muzzle to grasp the hair with her teeth, ripping it free until the side skin was completely exposed. A few licks of that long tongue across her muzzle and a half hidden sneeze later and she was free from the balls of fluff she had torn free. Her attention once more returned to him despite the savage cramping in her stomach she politely waited for him.




Word Count: 582
Muse: Peachy
Tag: Malachi/Open
Notes: ^^ Heh she feels self-conscience eating in front of him without him eating himself..

[Malachi]

He wasn't nervous per se but now that he didn't have an actual occupation he began to fidget. Digging his claws into the sand, shifting form one side to the other yet his gaze was riveted upon the pretty stranger. 

Her offer to share was unexpected, stunned silence was his reply at first until he saw her stop attending to the carcass and actually ignored it to look at him. She was polite even in her hungry state which struck him as odd but kind of nice. Calling upon his rusty social graces to decide if he should insist she eat all of it or do as she asked and partake in it. 

After a few minutes of indecisive debating, he bowed his head in silent thanks and approached to rip off a hind leg, hoping that would suffice and she would eat the rest. A crimson stained maw stripped the fur back to reveal the bloody mess within, the sharp fresh taste of the life taken danced on his tongue but he never looked away from her. She had to eat. 

The silence reigned over him heavily but he felt it would be better to break the ice so she wouldn't think him a complete imbecile. "I am Malachi of the North. Do you require anything else?" He had to smirk at the situations he seems to always find himself in. A strong independent male that seemed to just dive into helping when he endlessly told himself he should just avoid others. Listening to himself obviously wasn't a strong suit. 

Tearing at the leg for something to do, he waited to hear her reply. Where was she from? Why was she draped over the sands like she just washed up here? He couldn't ignore that she looked better than when he first found her, obviously she minded her appearance while he was gone. Was she an alphas daughter like Saphira? She held herself with pride so he didn't think that was out of the question. Maybe she was a sister of Saphira? His friend had said she had many siblings."Are you of the Descai?" 

Many questions that must wait to be asked for a more appropriate time. He would be patient. Her health was more important. 


Gailleann

[Gailleann]

A smile touched her muzzle as she watched him. She studied him openly since he obviously seemed to be debating with himself which she found strangely charming. He was a handsome young wolf. If his stout frame, the very definition of strength, gave any indication then he must be a fighter. It impressed her that an obvious warrior had skills in hunting. As practical as hunting skills for everyone may be the only actual pack she and her sister had come across in their journey had held a distinct separation and did not tolerate crossing the lines of a discipline. She could not help but admire the stormy hues of his pelt that matched the stormy blue of his eyes, the depths of his voice brought to mind the endless storms of her pup-hood when she would sneak out in the darkness of the night to play in the thundering summer storms.

She waited with complete patience while he made his decision, and when he finally dipped his head before moving closer she was grateful. She knew she would not have eaten unless he had at least a bite no matter how much she needed it. Her inborn desire to make sure those around her were taken care of far before she herself was tended would have led to her insisting, which may have ended poorly for them both. Once he had torn off a leg, retreating too began to enjoy the freshly killed meat she would watch him a moment longer before she settled down to her own meal. Díoltas had often teased her about how she ate, and once she had met other wolves she had understood why, but that did not change her. Gaileann did not just tear into the rabbit like some food starved beast no matter how much her stomach demanded it. She was who she was after all, so she would delicately tear off a piece of meat letting the bloody flavor linger on her tongue as she allowed it to slide down her throat. It took a little longer to eat but allowed her to enjoy every aspect of this meal.

His deep voice brought her attention away from her meal and the silence that had enveloped them. Tongue lolled out to lick at her muzzle before she replied again that warm welcoming smile on her maw. “Malachi…a strong and handsome name to match its carrier.” That smile widen faintly as he asked her if there was anything else she required. Oh that was a long long list at the moment, but she did not feel it was right to impose upon this stranger anymore then she already had. “Thank you for your kindness Malachi, but no. I couldn’t trouble you any further and the meal is very much appreciated.” She hesitated a moment before she continued. “I am called Gailleann. It is a mouthful I know but my sister..” A pause, barely noticeable as was the faint twing of sorrow that accompanied the word sister. “would call me Leann, or if she were upset with me Gail. Whichever you prefer is more than acceptable to me.”

She would pull the heart and liver from the cavity of the carcass, standing she was take the few paces in his direction and drop them close, nosing them slightly towards him. They were considered the choice bites and it was not uncommon for the ranking members of a pack to claim them for themselves. But in this case she wanted to give him something to show her appreciation for what he had done for her thus far, and as meager as it may be it was all she had besides words, to offer. Once she had settled back to her own meal she would rip off another bite eating it with a seemingly infinite patience until his voice once again rose to break the silence. Descai? She assumed he meant a pack on this island, because of this assumption she would shake her head briefly, allowing the sweet warm tones of her voice free once more. “I do not know what a Descai is, but I do know I do not belong to it. I was not born in this land.” For a moment those ears flattened and a frown passed across her features. “At least I do not believe so, I am not even sure of where I am. But that is a tale I am certain you would find dull at best.” Again that smile touched her lips and another bite would be taken.


Word Count: 765
Muse: Peachy
Tag: Malachi/Open
Notes: I wonder how he will react when he lady like demeanor cracks allowing her playful side to show up if she gets comfortable enough around him...

[Malachi]

Fascinating. She acted very delicate despite her obvious desire for the prey. It was like a dance actually, never before had he seen someone take such care in their meal. He slowed in his own tearing of the rabbits leg, feeling rather awkward to dine so violently next to a dainty eater. Licking the blood from his maw as his eyes flickered to the mess between his paws. The thought to mimic her crossed his mind but then decided he would look ridiculous for one of his stature to be so careful. He was a warrior, there was no room for eating like that.

Yet he liked to watch her, it only added to his curiosity of this stranger. She managed to stump him with her comment on his name. She entwined it with a compliment that he wasn't by any means expecting. Not really sure how to respond to that, he didn't know her very well to fall into an easy manner that made him more apt to tease. Well, his form of teasing.. He had been told it was a mixture of flirt and anxious outbursts. Quite an obvious display that he didn't know how to socialize like most.

"Thank you." A short, slightly bashful reply was all he could manage at the time. "I was taught to help when I could." He shrugged, trying to remain detached, the constant warring within to socialize or dash off now that she was attended to. 

"A unique title." He mused quietly, generally given to simply call others 'miss' or 'sir', he still had to think on which name he preferred if he would ever choose to call her by one.

Her offering once again caught him off guard, a surprising gesture yet touching, if he was prone to such things. Glancing up at her to be sure she meant it then accepted the heart into his mouth gently, trying to soften his barbaric eating behavior that was his initial introduction of such an activity. Surely he still failed at portraying the activity in a graceful manner but it was at least less messy. Nodding his head in thanks as his teeth pierced the rich organ.

"Descai is one the packs that reigns on the island." The brief description was worded as such in case she really didn't know who they were, no need to go listing everything out in a rush since it would probably just confuse her. "This is Anikira, an island many call home." He looked back out to the sea then back at her, "Would I be correct in assuming you came from the sea beyond?" A fascinating thought, he had heard stories of lands outside of the island from his Aunt and Uncle that came from a place called Africa. But he never met someone who literally just got here.

"I can assist you in learning of the island if you wish."

Gailleann 

[Gailleann]

Smiling inwardly at the bashfulness with which he issued his thanks she would focus on the second have of what he had said, not wishing to make him any more uncomfortable then she already had. “Being taught something so noble is a wonderful thing, but it takes more than simple teaching, it takes a great heart to adhere to such beliefs.”

When he confirmed her assumption she would nod faintly that long pink muscle sliding out to clean the little traces of blood left from the carcass. Despite the delicate way she ate there was nothing but bone and fur left between her paws. Tiny bloody scraps of meat clung to the bone but she knew the scavengers would enjoy the left overs. When his deep voice rose again with another question she would give a slight nod. “Anikira…so we did make it..” The words were whispered but easily carried to him on the breeze. “My mother told us once when we were pups, she was born on an island called Anikira, but was driven from its shores by her mate who chose another. After we were born my mother drug us all over Africa, we rarely stayed in one place long. It wasn’t always easy, but it was always an adventure.”

It was his next words that caused her to hesitate, uncertain. She had a feeling he would be forcing himself to deal with her if she accepted, after all despite his kindness he seemed ready to bolt one moment then attentive the next. For the life of her she did not know if it was something that was wrong with her that caused him to want to bolt, or if he just didn’t like being around strangers in general. Still she knew in order to find her sister she would need to have some knowledge of this place and quickly. “I would not wish to trouble you so, saddling you with a wolf ignorant of the lands, but I would be most grateful. I have someone I need to find, I am certain she washed ashore just as I did..” That voice trailed while the clear quiet gaze shifted to scan the horizon touching the waters’ surface. A quick shake of that skull banished the dark thoughts and doubts that threatened to creep up on her, to help shake those troublesome tendrils she turned her attention back to Malachi. “Yes, I would be truly grateful to accept your assistance, if you are certain it will not be any trouble for you. I may not look it but I am a skilled huntress, and quick to learn. You would not be burden with me long.”


Word Count: 449
Muse: Roll’n ^^
Tag: Malachi/Open
Notes:

[Malachi]

A great heart? He would have liked to agree, it would be a redeeming quality for how moody he generally was but he couldn't make himself accept it. He did want to fail his parents again, adhering to their teachings was all he had left now. It was a way of keeping them close.

The place she hailed from was familiar. Africa. Was it a normal place for outsiders to be from? It was all he ever heard of for sure. Calling on memories of the stories Uncle Kenai and Aunt Sydas told them as pups, Malachi could see how she would mean an adventure. But he pitied the mother. Caring for little ones on her own like that, betrayed by the one who vowed to love her and should have been there to protect and provide. Malachi's hackles rose at hearing such betrayal. Angry with one he never met and may be dead now. But nevertheless there was a fury that flared in his heart. "I hope he led a life of agony." His eyes clouded and the dangerous edge of his voice sliced through the air. "Betraying love is unforgivable." 

Then just as quickly as it appeared, it was quenched and his expression softened and fur was once again smoothed. Realizing his behavior may frighten her, he bowed his head in apology. "Forgive me. I have been raised with some deep rooted beliefs regarding family." Slightly abashed, he was unable to make eye contact now and looked everywhere but at her. 

Her conviction was odd. To survive the sea was not something many would claim to be a definite thing, but he held his tongue instead of speaking such doubts. If it brought her strength, so be it. "Who?" Would probably help to know whom she sought, although he couldn't imagine finding many who washed ashore so recently.

"I'll assist you in the ways I can. This area is good with game, so your strength should return quickly. A word of advice, beware those of Kairos. It's a fairly new pack but from what I've been told they are not exactly amiable." Scuffing his paw against a scrap of skin and fur from the rabbit, he continued, "What do you wish to know of?"

Gailleann

OOC: he isn't always completely stable.

[Gailleann]

The clear grey eyes widen at his sudden rage, a sudden light of fear touched her heart. Was his rage directed at her? What had she done to raise his ire?? But his words eased that fear, and she watched him with a silent fascination. Never once had she looked at it from her mothers’ point of view, the betrayal she had been dealt. She and her sister did not know the wolf their mother had been before that fateful day, had never looked at what had triggered the fracture in her mind and heart. That look turned thoughtful as her gaze dropped to the ground at her neatly crossed paws. It was his deep voice breaking the silence once more that brought her attention from her thoughts, a gentle smile crossed her lips as she watched him looking everywhere but at her. Unable to resist she pressed to her paws approaching him until she settled back on her haunches directly in front of him, dipping her head to force him to meet her gaze.

“Do not apologize for your beliefs, Malachi, or your reactions on the behalf of those who have been wronged.” She paused dropping her own gaze before lifting those pale grays framed by fire to his once more. “I had never allowed myself to think of it like that. I only saw her for what she became, the only thing my sister and I ever knew. Perhaps if I had taken the time to understand I could have…” Sighs. “Helped her...” Falling silent she became lost in thoughts of the past.

His inquiry of who she sought brought her back to the present, restless she stood moving with a delicate grace. She was by no means a slender frail looking wolf, the smooth liquid motions of her step spoke of an inborn grace as natural to her as breathing was. Pausing to look out over the steady lapping waves of the ocean as if she might see the one she sought. “My sister, Díoltas, we were separated when the hull of the ship we were in broke apart.”

She stubbornly refused to let doubt cloud her heart and mind, if it took the rest of her life she would find her sister someday. When he began speaking about the land, hunting, and warning her from a particular pack she shifted around to face him once more. Returning to the place where she had rested previously. Lowering her fire kissed frame to the ground she delicately crossed her paws before her, her attention focused soley on him as she listened, nodding to his words. “I see. Avoid Kairos. I am certain that would be easier said than done.” She gave his question careful thought before voicing them. “I suppose first and foremost the dangers one may find here, so I might avoid those. I may know the basics of fighting, but I am by no means a warrior. My skills lay in speed and the hunt.”


Word Count: 500
Muse:
Tag: Malachi/Open
Notes:

[Malachi]

The sands, the sky, the blue water, anything seemed easier to stare at then her in his embarrassment. But then warm flame and cool rain filled his vision, she made him see her. His eyes widened slightly and his head pulled back instinctively, she was very close, closer than he was generally comfortable with. His normal reaction would have been to scurry back to put more distance between them, but that may injure her in some way. Still he couldn't help but shuffle back a few inches on his rump, yet his eyes remained on hers. This was his issue, not hers.

He was rather thankful that she seemed to dismiss his outburst as acceptable and was no longer startled. When she uttered the words about her mother needing help, it raised several questions that after a moments thought, he chose to wait to inquire about. This girl had been through a lot recently, no need to add to her burdens now. 

Instead he chose to speak of her sister, "Does she look like you? I ask only to try and help identify her should I come across Miss Dioltas. Personal experience has taught me siblings can differ greatly in appearance." He only had to recall his own siblings, he was the youngest yet the darkest and largest. He had one dark red sister and one albino sister, and Kaze was Snow White apart from a few markings. A kaleidoscope of colors in one family.

Nodding slowly, seriously, in reply to her comment about Kairos. "They are vast and strong. Populated with giants that make me look like a pup if what I hear is true. But, pray, don't be alarmed, it is possible to avoid them as I have done." His tone became rather business like as he continued on, hoping she would take heed to his words, "This island can be either friend or foe to a loner. Crocodiles, mountain lions, and large two legged birds that know speed intimately are among creatures one must be wary of, along with others of our kind. Terrain can be misleading, solid ground can give way under your feet. Some lands twist and turn to make mazes, both above and below ground."

Suddenly he stopped speaking and stared at her and lowered his ears in apology. "I don't mean to frighten you with my foreboding words. There is beauty here and plentiful game. Things that I've been told do not exist anywhere else in the world. As regards your fighting, I can teach you, I'm not unfamiliar with battle." His eyes widened again, "But only if you wish. I would not want to inflict upon you anything you were not comfortable with."

He couldn't remember ever saying so much at one time. His voice sounded like distant rumbling thunder as his words stretched on. The concern now as he said to much.

Gailleann

[Gailleann]

Amusement flashed in her eyes as she watched him shuffle back onto his hind end. So… She thought, He is shy, or at the very least awkward around new wolves. I wonder what he is like if he were comfortable with someone… She waited in silence for him to ask, she could see the questions in the light of his eyes, and yet he refrained. Thoughtful, and kind…his parents must be proud of the wolf he is growing into… For a moment she held a pang of sorrow within her heart, knowing her mother never knew pride in her offspring. She had only seen them as a means to an end, then eventually, tormentors, reminds of what she had held briefly and lost.

A cant of that head was given as she skillfully focused upon another subject rather than that of himself. “My sister is more of a golden red, smaller, delicate in build where I am not, though our eyes are an exact match. Carefree and innocent to the point of dangerous, always does she act first then think things through after. Clumsy, ever so clumsy, she would trip over her own four paws on a smooth unblemished surface.” The love in her voice as she spoke of her sister was more than apparent.

Settling in she paid close attention to every word he spoke, nodding in time, her expression was one of intent thought. Large birds? Crocodiles, and lions she was very familiar with, but large birds? That would be new to her. Then he began to speak of the terrain, the more she heard of this island, the less she was comfortable with her sister being on her own here. It never once crossed her mind about her own safety. She had looked away from him studying the land as he spoke though despite her gaze not being on him it was very apparent he held her full focus.

When he paused she would turn that quiet gray gaze back to him once again, curiosity alight in their depths, tense and uncertain as she caught sight of his ears dipped in an apology. A gentle look crossed her features. “Truly, Malachi, you need not apologize. Your words uncoated by glamour, help in seeing a real picture, not just a vision. I am glad though, to know that there is more than danger when it comes to this island. Perhaps once I find my sister, we can make a home of this place.”

Not unfamiliar with battle, which meant as she suspected he was likely warrior trained. Thus a rueful smile crept across her maw. “I would be glad of some lessons, though you may live to regret that offer. I am not a very apt student when it comes to such things.”


Word Count: 472
Muse: Boom! Haha
Tag: Malachi/Open
Notes:

[Malachi]

Taking careful note of the description given to him by the washed up girl, Malachi couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy as his listen to the rise and fall of her musical tones. There was such affection there, something he couldn't fully comprehend. He grew up being as somewhat of an outsider among his litter. made apparent by the pairing up of playmates as little ones often left him by himself since he often was to rough with them and caused injuries on accident. Even when the bear crashed through and ripped apart his life, no one called for him. Kayi's screams still rang in his head. She called for Kaze...not him. 

Clouded eyes threatened to darken as thoughts turned self critical and harsh. Clawing to the present, Malachi felt his heart quicken as the scene played in his minds eyes. No..not now..He bit his tongue in attempt to forestall his panic attack. Remain in control. She'll think your insane if you lose it.

Managing to tune in as she continued to talk in such a sweet light of his previous tale that he would have thought would at least cause her to be a bit uneasy, but she brushed it off without missing a beat and chattered happily. Intriguing.

"I assure you, we will find something you can do well in a short time. Being small and quick lends you certain strengths beyond brute force." He had to admit this could be seen as slightly humorous. She seemed at least a year older than he was yet he found himself mentor and her student. "But you should not exert yourself until your strength returns fully or else more harm could be done than good. Do you have any experience at all." Good to establish an outline of one existed, so he wouldn't waste time telling her things she already knew.


Gailleann

[Gailleann]

Her gaze was focused on him, the way his jaws clamped the stressing around the eyes and tensing of the muscles. It was the same reaction her mother had often gotten when she was being ‘tormented by the ghosts’ her terminology for memories. Gailleann ached to comfort him, that protective nature wanted nothing more than to help him. But it wasn’t her place no matter how much she wished otherwise. So she would continue speaking, hoping that perhaps distracting him from his ‘ghosts’ would help.

When it was apparent that he had refocused on her she would offer him a bright smile. “It will not take me long to gain what strength I have lost.” Touched by his concern she allowed that flaming banner behind her to wave lazily. Though his next comment had her returning to a mildly serious state, a frown passing over her lips as she looked down to her paws in thought. “That is difficult to answer. I have absolutely no actual training in any kind of battle. My mother was not a teacher, even in hunting I am self-taught save for the very basics. I was teaching my sister how to hunt around the time my mother finally snapped completely then vanished.” Looking up to him she would cant that head to the right. “She was alright, but there was much room for improvement. I hope she will be alright.” Eyes narrow faintly with concern before clearing. “But I trust she will hone her skills, she is quick to adapt.”

She would fall silent for a moment, before speaking up. “We fought a lion once, and by we I mean myself. My mother ran first, but I could not. She had my sister cornered. But I used trickery rather than any skills to distract the beast so my sister could escape.” A bashful glance towards him as she ducked her head. “So in fact, it will be much like teaching a pup, green and clumsy, from the ground up.” She was not sure he would still be willing to attempt to teach her in the light of such information.


Word Count: 356
Muse: x.x
Tag: Malachi/Open
Notes: